Prevention Guidelines for Women 18 to 39

Here are the screening tests and immunizations that most women ages 18 to 39 need. This plan does not include recommendations for pregnancy. Although you and your health care provider may decide that a different schedule is best for you, this plan can guide your discussion.

Screening

Who needs it

How often

Alcohol misuse

All adults

At routine exams

Blood pressure

All adults

Every 2 years if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg; yearly if your systolic blood pressure is 120 to 139 mm Hg, or your diastolic blood pressure reading is 80 to 89 mm Hg

Breast cancer

All women in this age group should talk with their health care providers about the need for clinical breast exams (CBE)

Clinical breast exam every 3 years*

Cervical cancer

Women ages 21 and older

Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years; women between the ages 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test every 5 years.

PPSV23: 1 to 2 doses through age 64, or 1 dose at 65 or older (protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria)

*According to the American Cancer Society, women ages 20 to 39 years should have a clinical breast exam as part of their routine health exam every 3 years, and breast self-exams are an option for women starting in their 20s. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), however, does not recomment CBE.